More cover songs that are better than the originals

More cover songs that are better than the originals

From NPR Music by NPR

September 8, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

The episode explores cover songs that surpass the originals, featuring discussions and performances by various artists.

We share more reimagined and reinterpreted songs that rival the originals, including Janis Joplin’s iconic take on Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” a reggae version of The Beatles' “Don’t Let Me Down,” and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich rejoin host Robin Hilton for another round. Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (04:30) Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris: Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” (09:31) Frodus: Devo’s “Explosions” (12:58) Janis Joplin: Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” (17:12) Jai Paul: Jennifer Paige’s “Crush” (22:26) Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey: Lionel Richie & Diana Ross's “Endless Love” (27:40) Nico: Jackson Browne’s “These Days” (32:34) Tricky: Public Enemy’s “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” (35:29) Cassandra Wilson: Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” (40:04) Phoebe Bridgers: The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love” (43:56) Marcia Griffiths: The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down” Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This…

People in this episode

Host: Robin Hilton

Guests: Dora Levite, Lars Gotrich

Topics covered

  • cover songs
  • music reinterpretation
  • iconic performances
  • artist collaborations
  • song comparisons

Keywords

  • cover songs
  • music
  • Janis Joplin
  • The Beatles
  • reinterpretation
  • iconic covers
  • NPR Music

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